Deutsche Telekom to launch NFC-enabled phones, including the iPhone, later this year

At its Mobile World Congress press conference on Tuesday, Deutsche Telekom mentioned that it will soon begin deploying Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled mobile devices in multiple markets. The deployment starts this year and will ramp up until 2012 when most of Deutsche Telekom’s markets will be included. Phone Scoop is reporting that during the press conference, Deutsche Telekom execs handed out a slide deck featuring Apple and referred to them being included in the 2011 launch — seemingly confirming, or at least fueling the fire, that the next iPhone will include NFC capability. Apple and Samsung were listed as being NFC-compatible in the second quarter, with RIM and LG having devices in the third quarter of 2011. But hey, you already knew that about RIM, didn’t you?

I wonder if this tech will actually makes things simpler, or simply add another ‘cool factor’ to gadgets. Using credit/debit cards is already dead simple – the only use I see for this is if you somehow forgot your cards at home.

Chut Pata

There is a simpler thing. Use cash. Use credit cards when you forget cash home. You can go back in time all the way to stone age. Next, you will be growing your own food in your backyard. Damn, how do I know you don’t?

John D

There are uses for NFC beyond paying at the checkout counter. This technology will provide yet another avenue for transferring information to-and-from your mobile device. Imagine walking up to a bus-stop and having the route, etc quickly and easily downloaded and presented on your phone. Or perhaps waving your phone in front of an item at the grocery store to show nutrition information and recipes. The options are limitless

NewBe

Is there a way this technology will be able to be utilized by iPhone 4 users? Software update? Image on screen that’s able to be scanned?

Anonymous

With NFC, it will be super easy to skim $.

LookLively

So you want me to make it easier for people to steal my banking info? No thank you.

Anonymous

INCLUDING IPHONE?!?! WHAT A NECESSARY/WORTHY MENTION! I WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED! ALL HAIL APPLE!!!! THANKS BGR!

Jamssx

If you have a Citibank Mastercard (debit or credit) you can already add this to any phone. It sticks to the battery door and works well….